Dental Hygiene: Associate in Science (AS)  (3416)

Are you looking for a career in dentistry that provides flexible work hours and varied employment opportunities? Do you enjoy one-on-one interactions with individuals where you can use education to improve their health?

If you're passionate about helping others achieve better oral health, we want to help you turn that passion into a rewarding career as a dental hygienist. A dental hygienist is a vital member of the dental health team as this person provides preventive dental services and oral health education to patients.

 

What can I do with this in the workforce?  

By earning an Associate in Science (AS) in dental hygiene, you will be prepared to enter the workforce as a dental hygienist. You will be able to work in private offices or public health clinics. 

You may be suited for this program and career if you:

• Are a compassionate person with strong interpersonal skills
• Have good hand-eye coordination and solid technical skills
• Are detail-oriented with a passion for ongoing learning
• Have the ability to function in a fast-paced healthcare environment

 

What is the average salary?

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What is HACC’s program like?

Our dental hygiene program contains coursework that covers:

• Preventive dental services and oral health education to clients
• Patient assessment that includes their health history, vital signs, head, neck, and radiographic examination, oral cancer screening, and dental and periodontal charting.
• Treatment planning
• Patient education
• Administering local anesthesia
• Removing deposits and stains from teeth
• Applying chemotherapeutic agents
• Placing dental sealants

As you complete our program, you will:

• Utilize the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation) in the provision of comprehensive treatment to all clients without discrimination
• Demonstrate accountability in dental hygiene practice
• Apply the roles of dental hygiene to various practice settings - demonstrating competence, ethical behaviors and professionalism
• Participate as an integral member of the dental health team providing expertise in the area of preventive health care
• Perform to the level of competency specified by the faculty, the state board of dental examiners, employers, and those oral health services legally approved for a dental hygienist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania , and other states and territories
• Value a commitment to professional organizations and life-long learning

Our program is selective, which means your admission into HACC does not guarantee admission into the program. Before you begin the clinical portion of our program, you must complete and pay for the following tests and complete other criteria:

• Background checks
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Drug and alcohol screens
• Physical examination and immunizations

Pennsylvania Dental Law #216 states that the State Board of Dentistry may refuse to license a person who has a crime or misdemeanor conviction involving a morally corrupt act or a felony.

Please visit the health careers section of our website or email us for more information on the program admission requirements.

Our program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CoDA), which is specialized body recognized by the US Department of Education
 

What classes will I take?

• Browse our advising checksheet (pdf), which is also an excellent tool to help you personalize your course load each term and manage your overall advancement through our programs.

• View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.

• Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

Can I transfer my credits to a four-year college or university?

Yes! Although our is designed to lead you directly into the workforce, transfer opportunities are available f you wish to continue your education. Affordably YOURS, our programs are designed to be flexible enough to transfer to a wide variety of colleges and universities with no loss of credit. However, each individual college has its own unique program. Therefore, we encourage you to select a four-year school as soon as possible. This will allow you to learn the transfer college’s program requirements so that you can take the proper classes at HACC.

 

Where can I complete this program?

You can complete the entire program at our Harrisburg Campus. Clinical rotations are assigned within 85 miles of the Harrisburg Campus.

 

Does HACC offer scholarships?

Yes! Thanks to the HACC Foundation, scholarships are available. Please visit hacc.edu/scholarships to learn how you can apply.

 

When can I apply?

We offer courses in the spring, summer and fall, and you can apply anytime. When enrolling into the Dental Hygiene Program, you must apply to the non-clinical component of the program first. Therefore, please use the program code 341P to make sure your application is for the correct program.

 

How can I learn more?

To request more information about earning this associate degree, please contact an admissions counselor or email us at start@hacc.edu.